The versatile forward, competent in a number of positions including centre mid and high up on the flanks, has enjoyed his most productive season to date having returned 17 assists and four goals from 27 La Liga starts and five assists and three goals from nine Champions League starts.

Currently linked to a hat-trick of Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United (all Daily Star), di Maria has indicated that out of all the media speculation, it was a Tottenham Hotspur story from last year that "hurt" the most.

Speaking to Marca, the Argentine - who is expected to play a starring role for his country in the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament in Brazil - said: "It hurts when you’re always doing your best for your club and then you hear that you might be going to Tottenham.

di Maria has a transfermarkt.co.uk valuation of £30m and would be one of the most coveted players should he be made available in the summer market. He concluded: "We will see whether Madrid want me to stay or leave.

"I am happy at Madrid. I had a great season and always had everybody’s support. But sometimes you don’t have a choice, even when you want to stay yourself."